A new, NHS-funded campaign is highlighting to parents, pregnant women and people who care for children, the benefits of immunisations against RSV and flu that are currently available.
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Infections usually get better by themselves, but it can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults. Available from 28 weeks of pregnancy, the RSV immunisation helps prevent lung infections like bronchiolitis that leave 20,000 infants needing hospital treatment each year.
Anyone who is pregnant, should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of their 28-week antenatal appointment, to provide the best protection for their baby. However, the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until they go into labour.
Women who are pregnant are advised to speak to their maternity service or GP surgery if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine.
Pregnant women should consider getting protected against Covid too as this can also cause serious illness in pregnancy.
Flu can be serious and causes the death of over 11,000 people each year with many being hospitalised. The NHS recommended that all pregnant women have the free flu vaccine.
It is also recommended that young children are immunised against flu. The nasal vaccine is the most effective for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable, a GP or practice nurse may be able to offer an injection as an alternative.
Nasal flu immunisations are available to all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024.Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6) usually get their flu vaccine at school.
Vaccinations are also available for secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11).
Details of these immunisations and how to book them can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/imms24.
People can also find more information at www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/wintervaccines.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Health said:
“Every year, immunisation prevents millions of deaths across the world and the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health is to get immunised.
“I hope this new campaign will encourage parent and people who care for children and pregnant mums-to-be to do all they can to stay well this winter.
“If we’re vaccinated, we can all breathe a little more easily.”
Dr Reehan Naweed, Deputy Clinical Director Bootle, Seaforth & Litherland Neighbourhood, said:
“Vaccines have been one of the greatest advancements in public health, saving millions of lives every year. They are simple, safe, and incredibly effective at preventing a wide range of diseases.
“When we vaccinate ourselves, we not only protect our own health, but we also help protect those around us.
“The New Sefton Immunisation Campaign is aimed to help protect children and expecting mothers from respiratory viruses such as RSV and flu. So, this winter, take the time to get vaccinated, protect your health, and help keep your loved ones safe.”
The www.sefton.gov.uk/imms24 also includes advice on other winter immunisations and provides a link to the schedule of when the Living Well Bus will be visiting locations in Sefton offering vaccinations and health advice on a no-appointments-needed basis.
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